HAWAI‘I ISLAND – The 2014 Waimea Ocean Film Festival (Ocean Film) offers an exciting lineup of films, special guests, intimate coffee talks, Q&As, exhibits, receptions and morning activities, running non-stop January 2-10. The festival brings over 50 films to the big screen this year, most of which are world, U.S., Hawai‘i or Big Island premieres.

As part of its lineup of exceptional films and activities, Ocean Film launches the 50th anniversary tour of The Endless Summer, one of the most popular surf films of all time. In partnership with Bruce Brown Films (BBF), fun launch festivities include a high-octane, surf-themed opening night reception at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i on January 2—1960s attire optional. Following the Surfing the Sixties fun, the film will be screened on The Fairmont Orchid’s recently renovated Lehua Theater.

“The Endless Summer is one of the most popular surf films of all time and we are honored to have been asked to launch the 50th anniversary tour,” says Tania Howard, Ocean Film founder and director.

Produced in 1964, The Endless Summer introduced the notion of surf adventure travel, leading surfers to travel the world in search of their own perfect wave. The novelty, footage and high-energy musical score mesmerized audiences everywhere. Despite studio distributor’s initial reluctance to carry the film, The Endless Summer went on to become a worldwide box office hit, grossing over $30 million.

Renown 60’s surf photographer and former Reyn’s Spooner CEO Tim McCullough hosts Q&As following the screening of The Endless Summer at 6:30 p.m. January 2 at The Fairmont Orchid and 3:15 p.m. January 10 at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. McCullough is one of the festival’s many guest speakers, including M Sanjayan, Eddie and Myrna Kamae, Alan Cohen, Auntie Queenie Dowsett, Dawn Lippert, Josh Fox, Zach Weisberg and Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy alum Alison Teal.

In addition to offering films themed to ocean experience (such as surfing and paddling), Ocean Film features films that examine ocean environment—including things we do on land that impact the sea; and island culture. Inspirational films are also screened.

Ocean Film opens on January 2, with films playing simultaneously from January 2-5 at multiple venues in Waimea (Kahilu Theatre, HPA Gates, Parker Theatre), and showings at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai’i January 2-4. On January 6, the festival moves to Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.

The full lineup of films and the complete festival program are available to download at www.waimeaoceanfilm.org. Festival passes can be purchased via the website or at 808-854-6095. The pass system enables attendees to enjoy blocks of the festival’s dynamic selection of films, speakers, Breakfast Talks and more—which are richly woven together. Passes and programs are available at the festival hospitality desk January 1-5 at Kahilu Theatre and January 6-10 at Four Seasons Ballroom foyer; hours vary, phone 808-854-6095.

For the latest updates on films, speakers and activities, follow the festival on Facebook, www.facebook.com/waimeaoceanfilmfestival, visit www.waimeaoceanfilm.org or email info@waimeaoceanfilm.org.